RRP Episode 56 – Doyal Smith: The Voice That Changed Everything, from a Park Bench to DDA

RRP Episode 56 – Doyal Smith: The Voice That Changed Everything, from a Park Bench to DDA

Presenters: Julie and Peter
Length: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Summary

In this heartfelt and transformative episode, Julie and Peter welcome Doyal Smith, Executive Director of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon (DDA). Doyal recounts a deeply personal story of trauma, addiction, and the turning point that changed his life forever—sitting alone on a park bench, ready to give up, when he heard a voice say, “If you help people, I’ll help you.”

From that moment forward, Doyal committed his life to service. He shares his experiences navigating incarceration, multiple treatment programs, and ultimately finding his calling in the recovery community. Doyal also reflects on the work of DDA founder Corbett Monica and explains how the organization’s unique “12 Steps Plus Five” model addresses the needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

The episode dives into the importance of peer support, trauma-informed care, and building inclusive communities. Julie and Doyal connect over their shared experiences with dual diagnosis, making this an episode filled with honesty, insight, and the enduring power of hope.

Key Points with Time Stamps

• 00:00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Doyal Smith
• 00:07:00 – The park bench moment that changed Doyal’s life
• 00:13:00 – Early childhood trauma and growing up in North Portland
• 00:17:00 – First treatment experience and recognizing the grip of addiction
• 00:28:00 – The story of DDA’s creation and the influence of Corbett Monica
• 00:33:00 – Breaking down the “12 Steps Plus Five” and how it supports dual recovery
• 00:38:00 – Peer support, medication-assisted treatment, and the power of community
• 00:46:00 – DDA’s expansion across Oregon and online outreach
• 01:14:00 – Julie shares her journey with dual diagnosis and mental health support
• 01:21:00 – Doyal discusses the magic of rapport and recovery connection
• 01:29:00 – Final thoughts on legacy, leadership, and the future of DDA

Quote from the Guest

"The voice said, ‘If you help people, I’ll help you.’ And I’ve been helping people ever since." — Doyal Smith

Links to Websites and Resources Discussed

• Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon (DDA)
• Real Recovery Podcast
• Lunch Bunch and Extended Family AA Meeting Info
• Wellbriety Circle Meetings
• Hands Across the Bridge

Listen to the Episode

https://mdcr1.com/56

Read the Blog Post

https://mdcr1.com/56b

Hashtags and Mentions

#RealRecoveryPodcast #DualDiagnosis #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupport #HopeAndHealing #DDA #RealStoriesRealRecovery
@DDAnonymous @ForaHealth @4DRecovery